Constantine takes on Ithaca

The script is similar, but Constantine fans are hoping for a rewrite of the final scene as the Falcons face Ithaca for the second consecutive season in the Division 6 state finals 4:30 p.m. Friday.

The Yellowjackets took advantage of some Constantine miscues in the second half to turn a tie game at halftime into a 42-14 win to capture their second consecutive state title.

"We put the ball on the carpet too many times in the second half," Falcon coach Shawn Griffith said.

Constantine (11-2, just like last year) had seven fumbles, but only lost one, which turned into a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

A recovery came on a critical fourth down play that resulted in a loss of yardage and a turnover on downs. Two plays later, Ithaca (13-0, just like last year) was in the end zone with a 21-14 lead and the Yellowjackets started to pull away.

The turnovers could have been because of the magnitude of the contest.

"We've done a much better job of focusing this year," Griffith said of this weeks' practices. "Last year, we were hyped up to play in the finals. This year it's not just playing in (the game), it's playing for a state championship."

Senior quarterback Tommy Reed missed last years' game with an injury. Junior Andres Montoya filled in for Reed.

"He battled as well as he could, the game was 14-14 at halftime," Griffith said. "We need to maintain drives and put points on the board."

The uncertainty may have also been an issue.

"We were still 'Is he playing or not?'," Griffith added.

The Falcons believe that Reed will be able to exploit some things they saw in last years' final.

"They've got to have better play on defense than last year, there's some things we can do to take advantage," Griffith said. "Tommy will see those things and can be a difference maker."

The quarterback position is also the key for the Yellowjackets, behind junior Travis Smith, who has one state title under his belt. He has thrown for 39 touchdowns and run for another 14.

Constantine's defense will also need a better effort to end the Yellowjackets 41-game winning streak and quest for a third straight championship.

"We didn't tackle well last year," Griffith said. "We did a good job reading keys and made some big plays in the first half and early in the second."

Ithaca spread teams out and attempts to take advantage of their skill in the open field.

"We need to play better in space," Griffith said. "You'll be in trouble if you can't play in space against them."

The Yellowjackets haven't seen the Wing-T in a year and Griffith hopes the lack a familiarity for them, and the confidence the Falcons have for it, will allow for some good drives.

"They haven't seen our offense since last years' final," he said. "We have to have success running the ball and controlling the clock."

Keeping the game close could also be in the Falcons favor, as Ithaca has had quite a few blowouts.

"Other than Shelby and Carrollton, they haven't had to put up much of a fight against most teams," Griffith said. "Some teams were close at halftime."

The Shelby game was last week's semifinal contest, which Ithaca won 31-14.

"They were able to intercept them three times," Griffith said of the Tigers defense.

Ithaca defeated Carrollton, 33-21, in week six. Other than that, the Yellowjackets have won by at least 28 points in every other contest. The have scored 638 points, while allowing 83.

"Their offense compares to Watervliet because of all the weapons," Griffith said. "The defense compares to Schoolcraft, but bigger. They're physical and run to the ball. It presents some difficult challenges for us."